The hospital wing was quiet as Yasuke lay back in his bed, trying to wrap his mind around
everything Harry had told him. The knowledge that Voldemort had been so close, manipulating
Quirrell and almost returning to power, sent a chill down his spine. But at the same time, the
relief of knowing that the Philosopher's Stone was safe, and that his friends were alive and well,
allowed Yasuke to finally breathe easy.
The sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, casting soft rays over the white hospital
sheets. The peaceful quiet of the hospital wing felt surreal, given the chaos and danger that had
nearly consumed them all just a day earlier.
Yasuke turned his head to look at Harry, who lay in the bed next to him, looking equally tired but
content. They had both been through their own battles, and now they were both recovering in
the quiet aftermath.
"So, what now?" Yasuke asked, breaking the silence.
Harry glanced over at him, his face still pale but a bit more relaxed than it had been the night
before. "I guess we wait for the end of term. Dumbledore told me the Stone's being destroyed.
No one will be able to get their hands on it again."
Yasuke nodded, relieved that this particular danger was behind them. "That's good. No more
chasing after dark wizards for a while."
Harry smiled, though it was a weary smile. "Yeah, no more, please."
They both chuckled softly, but the conversation soon fell back into a comfortable silence.
Yasuke's mind wandered back to the events of the previous day—his battle with the
Acromantula, the sword of Gryffindor appearing in his hand, and the terror of almost losing
Typhoon. He reached up to touch his shoulder, where Ty had nuzzled him just before flying off
to get help. The bond between him and his falcon felt stronger than ever, and the memory of
Ty's loyalty brought a lump to Yasuke's throat.
As if sensing his thoughts, Madam Pomfrey bustled in, her stern but caring demeanor softening
as she checked on both boys.
"How are you feeling, Yasuke?" she asked, her tone gentler than usual. "I suspect you'll be back
on your feet soon."
"I'm feeling better, thank you," Yasuke replied, offering her a grateful smile. "Just a bit sore."
"Good, good," Madam Pomfrey said, giving a brisk nod. "You'll both need rest for another day or
so, and then you'll be free to join the rest of the students before the end of term."
Harry and Yasuke exchanged glances, both silently relieved that they wouldn't be stuck in the
hospital wing much longer. As much as they appreciated the care, they were eager to be back
with their friends.
--
Later that afternoon, Hermione and Ron came to visit, their faces lighting up when they saw
Yasuke and Harry sitting up in their beds, looking much better than they had the day before.
"You two look loads better," Hermione said, pulling up a chair beside Yasuke's bed. "We were
worried about you."
Ron, ever the one to try and lighten the mood, leaned on the bed frame with a grin. "Yeah, I
thought I'd have to carry you both out of here if you didn't get better soon."
Yasuke smirked. "You'd need more than your wand for that, Ron."
The four of them laughed, the tension from the last few days beginning to melt away.
Hermione's eyes darted between the two boys, and Yasuke could tell she was bursting with
questions.
"What happened after we split up?" Hermione asked, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.
Harry and Yasuke exchanged a glance before Harry began explaining everything that had
happened after they went through the trials. Yasuke listened intently as Harry recounted the
challenges—how they had dealt with the devil's snare, the giant chess game, and ultimately
how Quirrell had revealed himself as Voldemort's servant. Yasuke still couldn't believe it had
been Quirrell all along.
Hermione's eyes were wide by the end of the story, her hands gripping the armrest of the chair.
"Voldemort… he was that close to coming back?"
Harry nodded, a distant look in his eyes. "Yeah. But something stopped it."
Yasuke shifted in his bed, thinking about what had almost happened, not just to Harry but to all
of them. "It's insane how close we came. And to think we were all worried about Snape."
Ron shook his head. "Yeah, talk about being wrong there. Quirrell! Who would've thought?"
Hermione was still deep in thought. "It's incredible that Dumbledore knew what was happening.
He always seems to be one step ahead."
Harry leaned back against his pillow. "Yeah, but I don't think it's over. Voldemort's not gone for
good. We'll probably face him again someday."
A heavy silence settled over them at Harry's words. Yasuke could sense the weight of the truth
in them. Voldemort might have been stopped this time, but the dark wizard's return still lingered
on the horizon.
Yasuke broke the silence, his voice quieter than before. "We'll be ready. Next time, we'll be even
stronger."
Hermione nodded, determined. "We'll stick together. And we'll learn more. We'll be ready."
The four friends sat together in that quiet moment, a shared resolve forming between them.
They had survived this year, and they had grown because of it. Whatever lay ahead, they knew
they would face it together.
--
The next day, Harry was discharged from the hospital wing, though Yasuke had to stay for one
more night, his body still recovering from the Acromantula attack. But that evening, as he lay in
bed with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the room, Yasuke felt a sense of peace.
He had faced terrifying odds, fought for his life, and come out the other side stronger. The sword
of Gryffindor had appeared to him in his time of need, a testament to the courage that lay within
him. And though the trials surrounding the Philosopher's Stone were over, Yasuke knew his
journey was far from finished.
The school year was coming to an end, but Yasuke's story was just beginning. He would
continue to grow, continue to face challenges, and, with his friends by his side, be ready for
whatever dangers the future held.
As sleep finally claimed him, Yasuke's last thoughts were of Typhoon, the sword of Gryffindor,
and the sense of belonging he had found at Hogwarts—a place where he could be himself, face
his fears, and fight for those he cared about.
Whatever came next, Yasuke was ready.
--
The sun was shining brightly over the grounds of Hogwarts as Yasuke stepped out of the
hospital wing, finally released after days of recovery. His body felt lighter, and his mind was
clearer, but the looming end of the school year weighed heavily on him. Students were packing
their things, saying goodbyes, and preparing to return home for the summer. For many, it was a
time of excitement, but for Yasuke, it was bittersweet.
As Yasuke wandered the familiar corridors of the castle, he thought about how he hadn't sent a
single letter home since he arrived in England. His mother's distant attitude and his older sister's
coldness left little reason for him to keep in touch. The only person who might have cared was
his younger brother, Colin, and the thought of his little brother made his heart ache slightly.
But Hogwarts had become his home in a way that California never could be. Yasuke found
comfort in the ancient stones of the castle, in the sweeping staircases, in the magical creatures
that roamed the grounds, and in the endless learning that Hogwarts offered. He'd never felt
more alive than when he was practicing magic with his friends or reading about advanced
theories late into the night.
And then there were his friends.
He was really going to miss them. Ron, with his constant humor, always managing to bring a
smile to Yasuke's face, even when things felt bleak. Harry, whose unwavering loyalty and sense
of adventure made every day exciting. And Hermione… Yasuke thought about her often. They
understood each other in ways that sometimes baffled the others. At only eleven years old, their
bond felt effortless.
As much as Yasuke loved the beach back home, there was a part of him that hated the feeling
of being there, in a place that had always felt empty. Hogwarts had filled that void. It was a place
where he belonged, where he could be himself, where he could explore his passion for magic
without limitations. And though he knew he'd have to leave for the summer, a part of him never
wanted to go.
At least not until he knew every magic imaginable.
Before he left, Yasuke decided to make the most of his last few days at Hogwarts. One
afternoon, he made his way to Professor Binns, the ghostly History of Magic professor, whose
lectures were notoriously dull but whose personal library contained some of the most advanced
magical theory texts in the school. Yasuke had been working on something—something
big—and he needed more knowledge to get there.
"Professor Binns," Yasuke began as he floated into the room, "I was wondering if I could borrow
a few books over the summer. I'm working on a project involving advanced magical theory,
elemental magic, and spatial magic."
Professor Binns, with his usual distracted air, blinked slowly at Yasuke. "Books, you say? Hmm,
yes, I suppose there are a few volumes in the archives that might be of interest. Though spatial
magic… dangerous stuff, boy, be careful with that."
Yasuke smiled. "I will, Professor. I'm just working on the basics right now. I'm close to creating a
spatial sphere—the first building block."
Professor Binns nodded absently, already drifting back to the chalkboard. "Yes, yes. You'll find
what you need in the back of the library. Be careful with those books, now."
With that, Yasuke secured a few valuable books on magical theory and spatial manipulation,
tucking them away for summer study. He knew he wouldn't have access to magic back home,
but just reading and planning would be enough to keep his mind sharp. The thought of
mastering the creation of a spatial sphere filled him with excitement—his path to learning magic
seemed endless, and he couldn't wait to see where it would take him.
--
As the end of the school year drew near, Yasuke found himself feeling more melancholic than
ever. He had grown so much in the past year, and now he had to leave it all behind, at least for
a few months. He decided to visit his favorite spot on the grounds one last time—a quiet patch
by the lake, nestled under a large oak tree. It was here that he could think, practice, and enjoy
magic in solitude.
Yasuke sat under the tree, his wand in hand, the sunlight shimmering off the surface of the
Black Lake. Typhoon soared above, his wings catching the breeze as he circled high in the sky,
as if sensing that this was a moment to savor.
With a flick of his wand, Yasuke whispered, "Aqua Spumans!" and a stream of non-bursting
bubbles shot from the tip of his wand, floating gently through the air. They sparkled in the
sunlight, creating a peaceful, magical display that filled Yasuke with a strange sense of comfort.
As the bubbles drifted lazily around him, Yasuke leaned back against the tree and closed his
eyes, letting his thoughts wander. He thought about all the adventures, all the lessons, and all
the friendships he had made this year. The future felt uncertain, but for now, in this moment,
Yasuke was content.
He opened his eyes and watched the bubbles dance around him, each one a tiny reminder of
the magic that had filled his year. He knew he would miss Hogwarts, but he also knew that it
wasn't goodbye forever. He'd be back, and when he returned, he would continue his
journey—both as a student of magic and as a person who had found his place in this magical
world.
For now, Yasuke took a deep breath and let the magic wash over him one last time before the
train would take him back to California. He would always carry Hogwarts with him, and he'd
return stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever.
Because Hogwarts wasn't just a school.
It was home.
--
The day had finally come for the students of Hogwarts to leave the magical castle and return to
their homes. The grounds, usually alive with excitement and magic, now buzzed with the energy
of departure. Trunks were packed, final goodbyes were exchanged, and the air was thick with
the bittersweet feeling of leaving something cherished behind.
Yasuke stood by the Hogwarts Express, watching as students from all houses mingled on the
platform, talking and laughing. But underneath it all was the quiet sadness of having to say
goodbye. For Yasuke, the moment felt heavier than he expected. He had come to Hogwarts
uncertain, unsure of what to expect from this new world of magic. Now, he was leaving with
friendships, memories, and a deep sense of belonging he hadn't felt in years.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing beside him, their expressions a mix of excitement for
the summer and sadness for the separation.
"Well, this is it," Harry said, his green eyes glancing around the platform. "Back to the Dursleys
for me."
Ron grimaced. "I don't envy you, mate. At least you can come over to the Burrow later in the
summer. Mum always says we've got room for one more."
Hermione smiled softly, her brown eyes warm with understanding. "We'll write each other over
the summer, right? And we'll see each other again soon enough."
Yasuke nodded, feeling the lump in his throat grow as he looked at his friends. He was going to
miss the carefree days of sharing jokes with Ron, the thrill of adventures with Harry, and the
quiet, meaningful moments with Hermione. They had become more than just friends—they had
become family.
"I'll miss you guys," Yasuke said, his voice quieter than usual. "I'll write as much as I can."
Harry smiled. "You better"
They shared a final group hug, the weight of the moment settling over them, and then it was
time to board the train.
Yasuke found his seat near the back of the Hogwarts Express, watching the Scottish Highlands
fade into the distance as the train sped toward London. The familiar rhythm of the wheels on the
track soothed his nerves, but the reality of leaving Hogwarts behind began to sink in. The
adventure was over, for now, and the mundane world was waiting for him.
--
When the train finally arrived at King's Cross Station, the hustle and bustle of the Muggle world
greeted him with its noise and crowds. Yasuke stepped off the platform at 9, pulling his trunk
behind him as he passed through the magical barrier. The instant he crossed over, it was like
leaving a dream behind.
The world on the other side was busy and loud, filled with people who had no idea that magic
existed just a few steps away. Yasuke sighed as he looked around, trying to adjust to the stark
contrast. He spotted a family greeting each other warmly nearby, the parents fussing over their
child, and it made his chest ache for a moment. His mother wouldn't be waiting for him. He
hadn't even written home to say he'd arrived safely in England.
Yasuke made his way through the station and caught the next Muggle train to the airport. His
magical world was tucked away in his trunk now, hidden beneath layers of clothes and books.
But even as he blended in with the everyday crowd, he knew that he wasn't the same person
who had boarded the train months ago.
--
The ride to the airport was uneventful. Yasuke sat quietly, staring out the window as the city
passed by. The noise of the train and the chatter of the other passengers was background to his
thoughts. He was going home, back to Oceanside, California. But Hogwarts had become his
true home, and he wasn't sure how to reconcile the two worlds anymore.
When the train arrived at the airport, Yasuke made his way through the terminal, moving through
the motions with an almost mechanical detachment. He checked in his luggage, passed through
security, and found his gate. As he sat waiting for his flight, the weight of it all pressed down on
him—the distance between the world of magic and the world he was returning to.
He thought of Colin, his younger brother, who was probably the only person at home who would
be excited to see him. Yasuke hadn't been the best brother, often distracted by his own life and
ambitions, but he promised himself he'd make more time for Colin this summer. At least he
could share some of the excitement of his time at Hogwarts, even if he had to be careful about
what he said.
But as for his mother and older sister, Sarita, Yasuke wasn't sure they'd even notice he was
back. His mother worked long hours, and his sister had always been distant, barely tolerating
him. It wasn't the warmest homecoming to look forward to, but at least Colin would be there.
As Yasuke boarded the plane and settled into his seat, he closed his eyes and let his mind drift.
Images of Hogwarts filled his thoughts—the towering castle, the Great Hall, his favorite spot by
the Black Lake, where he practiced his spells and shot bubbles into the air. It was all so vivid, so
real, that for a moment, he could almost believe he was still there.
But the roar of the plane's engines jolted him back to reality, and soon they were airborne,
leaving England behind as they soared across the Atlantic.
Yasuke stared out the window, the clouds passing by, and he wondered what the summer would
bring. He missed Hogwarts already, but there was also a sense of excitement, knowing he
would return. He had plans—books to read, theories to study, and spells to practice. He would
be ready for whatever came next.
Hogwarts had changed him. It had shown him that he was capable of great things, that he had
courage and strength he hadn't realized he possessed. Yasuke wasn't just the boy from
California anymore. He was a wizard, a Gryffindor, and a true friend to Harry, Ron, and
Hermione.
And though the summer lay ahead, full of the mundane realities of his other life, Yasuke knew
that Hogwarts would always be waiting for him.
His home. His true home.
--
The air was warm and salty as Yasuke stepped off the Amtrak train at the Oceanside train
station, stretching his legs after hours of cramped travel. He took a deep breath of the familiar
sea breeze, but instead of feeling a sense of homecoming, there was a knot of tension in his
chest. The twelve-hour flight from England had been exhausting, and the thirty-hour train ride
from San Diegi to Oceanside had drained whatever energy he had left. All he wanted now was
to stretch out and feel solid ground beneath him—but the thought of what awaited him at home
made him hesitate.
Yasuke slung his backpack over his shoulder and started walking through town, his feet carrying
him on autopilot toward the house a few blocks from the Oceanside boardwalk. It was early
evening, and the golden light from the setting sun reflected off the waves crashing against the
shore. It was beautiful, in a way, but Yasuke barely registered it. His mind was elsewhere.
High above, Typhoon circled, his sharp eyes scanning the ground below. Yasuke glanced up at
his falcon, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Ty had been his constant
companion through everything, and knowing that his friend was flying freely above him gave him
a little comfort. But that smile faded as Yasuke approached the familiar neighborhood where his
house stood, tucked away at the end of a quiet street.
As he turned onto the path that led to his front door, Yasuke's expression settled into something
more neutral, more guarded. The excitement he'd felt at Hogwarts had long since faded,
replaced by the uncomfortable reality of returning to a house where he was barely noticed,
where warmth and welcome were in short supply.
Yasuke stood for a moment at the door, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He hadn't written
home since arriving in England. Part of him wondered if they had even noticed he'd left. With a
deep sigh, he pulled out his key and slid it into the lock. The familiar click sounded louder than
usual in the quiet evening air, and Yasuke pushed the door open.
Inside, the house was exactly as he had left it—neat, but cold. The small living room was
sparsely decorated, the walls bare except for a few pictures that seemed like afterthoughts. The
smell of something reheated wafted through the air, and the sound of the TV murmured from the
other room. Yasuke stood in the entryway for a moment, listening to the distant sounds of a
news broadcast.
He shut the door quietly behind him and walked down the narrow hallway toward the kitchen. As
he entered the room, his mother was standing at the counter, stirring something on the stove.
She didn't turn around. She didn't even seem to notice he had walked in.
"Mom, I'm home," Yasuke said, his voice low, trying to keep his expectations in check.
There was a pause, just a brief flicker of recognition as his mother turned her head slightly. "Oh.
You're back," she said flatly, her voice devoid of warmth. She went back to stirring whatever was
in the pot. "Thought you were coming back next week."
Yasuke swallowed the disappointment that rose in his throat. "No, I told you I'd be back today."
His mother shrugged. "Well, I've been working double shifts. I can't keep track of everything.
There's food in the fridge if you're hungry."
Yasuke stood there for a moment, staring at the back of her head, waiting for
something—anything—that would make this moment feel like coming home. But it never came.
He felt a hollow ache settle into his chest as he nodded silently and turned to leave the kitchen.
As he walked down the hall toward his room, he heard the distant sound of his older sister,
Sarita, talking on the phone in her bedroom. The door was closed, and from the sound of it, she
was laughing at something. Yasuke knew better than to knock—Sarita barely tolerated his
presence, and after months apart, he doubted she'd care that he was back.
When Yasuke reached his room, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. It was the same
as always—a small bed, a desk, and a few posters on the walls from when he was younger. The
place felt frozen in time, as if it hadn't changed since the day he left for Hogwarts. Yasuke
tossed his backpack onto the bed and sat down, staring out the window at the fading light.
Typhoon fluttered down onto the windowsill, his sharp eyes watching Yasuke closely.
Yasuke reached out and stroked Ty's feathers, grateful for his companion. "Well, Ty," he
murmured, "it's not Hogwarts, but it's what we've got for now."
The falcon chirped softly, as if in agreement, and Yasuke smiled weakly.
He leaned back against the pillows, exhaustion finally catching up with him. His body ached
from the long journey, and the emotional weight of the reunion—or lack thereof—pressed down
on him. He thought of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and how different their homecomings must
have been. Harry's situation might have been similar, but at least Ron had his boisterous family,
and Hermione had parents who would welcome her with open arms.
Yasuke felt that familiar pang of loneliness creep in again. He had found a new home at
Hogwarts—a place where he was valued, where he had real friends, and where he could
explore his passion for magic without feeling like a burden. This place, with its cold walls and
indifferent faces, didn't feel like home anymore.
But Hogwarts was months away. Yasuke knew he had to survive the summer before he could
return to the world where he truly belonged.
For now, he closed his eyes, letting the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves outside lull him into
a restless sleep. Typhoon hopped down from the windowsill and nestled beside him on the bed,
a quiet reminder that no matter how cold this house felt, he wasn't completely alone.
--
Yasuke woke up to the sound of silence. The house was still and empty, his mother already
gone for her early morning shift at the hospital and his younger brother, Colin, off to school. He
could faintly hear his sister, Sarita, moving around in her room, probably talking on the phone or
getting ready to head out herself. Yasuke sighed and stared up at the ceiling for a few moments
before getting up.
He didn't bother knocking on Sarita's door—there was no point. She barely acknowledged him,
and he didn't feel like forcing a conversation that neither of them wanted. Instead, he headed to
the kitchen, where he found a box of frozen waffles tucked away in the freezer. He toasted a
couple of them, watching the machine hum and click until the waffles popped up. They were
lukewarm and slightly rubbery, but they did the job.
After breakfast, Yasuke got dressed and grabbed his backpack, stuffing it with the books he'd
borrowed from Professor Binns. His fingers brushed over the spines of each one: Advanced
Magical Theory, Elemental Magic, and the one that excited him most, Spatial Magic. Yasuke
had been working on creating a spatial sphere for months, and now he had all the knowledge he
needed to push his studies even further.
As he slung his backpack over his shoulder, Yasuke felt the absence of his wand keenly. He
missed the way it felt in his hand, the way magic flowed so easily through it. Here in the Muggle
world, without his wand, magic seemed distant and almost out of reach. He frowned slightly as
he left the house, locking the door behind him.
Maybe I should practice without it, Yasuke thought as he walked down the street toward the
beach. It would be hard, but maybe that's the challenge I need. I could focus on controlling the
magic inside me, learning how to move it through my body without the help of a wand.
The idea sparked something in him—an experiment. Hogwarts had taught him so much, but he
realized now that there was still so much more to learn about his connection to magic.
Controlling the flow of magic in his body, feeling it move from fingertip to fingertip, and guiding it
consciously sounded like an exciting challenge.
The sun was bright, and the salty breeze brushed against his skin as Yasuke reached the stone
stairs leading down to the beach. Below him, he saw the Oceanside Skate Park, where local
skaters were already zipping around, showing off tricks. Next to the skate park was the
amphitheater, its concrete seats empty this early in the morning. Yasuke passed by it, making
his way across the soft, warm sand until he found his usual spot under the pier.
The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air as Yasuke sat down in the cool
shade of the pier. He pulled one of the books from his bag—Spatial Magic—and opened it with
a smile. The intricate diagrams and complex spells laid out across the pages made his heart
race with excitement. He had been working on this for months, and now he could dive even
deeper into the mysteries of spatial manipulation.
As he read through the chapter on creating spatial spheres, a thought popped into his mind, and
Yasuke chuckled quietly to himself. Hermione was probably doing the exact same thing right
now—sitting somewhere with her nose buried in a book, learning everything she could before
the next school year started. He could picture her frowning in concentration, her quill scribbling
notes in the margins.
He laughed at the thought. They really were kindred spirits in that way—always curious, always
wanting to learn more. He wondered if she was thinking of him, too, and whether she'd come
across anything interesting in her own studies.
Yasuke leaned back against one of the pier's wooden pillars and let the sound of the ocean
surround him as he continued reading. The passage on spatial spheres explained that the
sphere was the foundation of spatial magic—a pocket of controlled space that could be
manipulated, expanded, or even folded. Yasuke's mind raced as he tried to visualize it, focusing
on the flow of magic inside him, even without his wand.
He closed his eyes for a moment, tuning in to the feeling of magic coursing through his veins. It
was faint, a soft hum beneath his skin, but it was there. He concentrated on it, guiding it from his
chest to his hands, imagining it pooling in his fingertips. Slowly, he imagined forming it into a
sphere, the energy wrapping around itself like an invisible bubble.
Yasuke opened his eyes, half-expecting to see something in the air before him, but there was
nothing. Still, he wasn't discouraged. Magic wasn't something you mastered in a day, and this
was just the beginning of a new way to interact with it. If he could master this
technique—learning to control magic without relying on his wand—it could open up a whole new
realm of possibilities for him.
He took a deep breath and looked out at the ocean, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. This
was his sanctuary for now, the place where he could keep learning and growing even in the
absence of Hogwarts. The beach had always been a place of peace for him, and now it was
becoming a place where he could continue his magical journey.
As the hours passed, Yasuke continued reading and practicing, occasionally glancing up at the
sky to watch Typhoon soar above him. He knew this summer would be long, and the distance
from his friends would be difficult, but the thought of returning to Hogwarts kept him going. He
had so much to look forward to, and so much to learn.
With one last glance at the book, Yasuke leaned back against the pier and let himself relax.
There was still time to figure everything out. For now, he would enjoy this moment of quiet magic
by the sea.
--
July 8th had always been a day Yasuke looked forward to when he was younger, but as the
years passed, the excitement of his birthday had dulled. This year was no different. His 13th
birthday came quietly, with little fanfare in the house. His mother, exhausted from her long shifts,
had managed to pick up a small cake from the store. Colin, his younger brother, tried to make
an effort by singing loudly and off-key, but the energy around the table was lukewarm at best.
Even Sarita, who barely acknowledged him most days, sat at the table, scrolling through her
phone.
"Happy birthday, Yasuke," they all sang, their voices half-hearted.
Yasuke smiled politely, blowing out the candles on the cake. He had learned not to expect
much, but the quiet disappointment still lingered. As they passed him a slice of cake, Colin
handed him a small box, his eyes bright with excitement.
"Open it!" Colin urged, eager to see Yasuke's reaction.
Yasuke raised an eyebrow and peeled off the wrapping paper, revealing a toy lightsaber from
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. It was the model after Luke Skywalker's
green-bladed lightsaber, and as soon as Yasuke saw it, his face lit up. He pressed the button,
and the familiar hum and glow of the green blade illuminated the room, the sound effects
bringing back a flood of memories.
His heart skipped a beat, and for the first time that day, genuine excitement surged through him.
He remembered sitting on the couch with his dad, watching the original Star Wars trilogy for the
first time when he was just a kid. Those were some of the best memories he had, moments
when the world felt simpler, and he felt closer to his father. Luke Skywalker had always been his
hero—an ordinary boy who became something extraordinary, just like Yasuke always dreamed
of being.
"Thanks," Yasuke said, his smile genuine as he looked over at Colin. "This is awesome."
Colin beamed, clearly pleased with himself. "I knew you'd like it! It lights up and everything! We
can fight with it later!"
Yasuke nodded, turning the lightsaber over in his hands, feeling the weight of it. It wasn't real, of
course—just a plastic toy with sound effects—but to Yasuke, it was more than that. It
represented a connection to something bigger, something that had always inspired him. As he
thought about Luke Skywalker's journey, his mind drifted to his own—his time at Hogwarts, the
sword of Gryffindor appearing in his hand when he needed it most, and the feeling of power and
purpose that came with wielding it.
After eating a slice of cake and thanking everyone, Yasuke excused himself and went outside,
the toy lightsaber still clutched in his hand. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow
over the neighborhood as Yasuke stepped into the backyard. He took a deep breath, the familiar
sound of the ocean in the distance calming his nerves.
With a flick of his thumb, he turned on the lightsaber, the green blade lighting up with a hum.
Yasuke smiled, feeling like a kid again. He began swinging it through the air, mimicking the
moves he remembered from watching Return of the Jedi. He imagined himself on the sands of
Tatooine, fighting against Jabba's guards, or in the final duel with Darth Vader in the Emperor's
throne room.
The movements came naturally to him, and Yasuke lost himself in the fantasy, feeling the plastic
blade slice through the air. He twirled it, imagining the weight of a real lightsaber in his hand, the
hum of the kyber crystal inside powering the weapon. He could almost hear the clash of sabers
as he blocked invisible strikes, moving with a fluidity that felt instinctual.
As he swung the lightsaber, his thoughts drifted to the sword of Gryffindor. The memory of it
appearing in his hand during the Acromantula attack was still fresh in his mind. The sword had
felt powerful, but more than that, it had felt right. Something about wielding a sword—whether it
was the Gryffindor blade or this toy lightsaber—just felt like an extension of himself.
Yasuke paused, staring at the green glow of the toy. His mind began to wander in that way it
often did when he was thinking about magic. The sword of Gryffindor had used magic, after all.
What if he could somehow create a channel for magic in something like a lightsaber? Was that
even possible? He knew from his studies that wands were created with cores and specific
woods that allowed them to channel magic. Maybe if he understood how wands were made, he
could create something similar—something more personal, more suited to him.
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he imagined creating a real lightsaber, one that could
channel his magic in a way no wand could. He knew it was probably impossible, but the idea
was thrilling. Maybe he'd ask Ollivander next time he was in Diagon Alley about the process of
wandmaking. If anyone could guide him on creating channels for magic, it would be him.
Yasuke shook his head, laughing at himself. "You're going too far," he muttered under his
breath. But still, the thought lingered. Swinging the lightsaber, even just as a toy, felt natural.
The movements flowed through him effortlessly, and for a brief moment, he imagined wielding
both the sword of Gryffindor and a lightsaber at the same time, standing between two
worlds—the one of magic and the one of imagination.
He turned off the lightsaber, the blade retracting with a satisfying click. Yasuke looked out at the
horizon, where the last bit of sunlight was slipping away. He had no idea what the future held for
him, but one thing was certain: whether it was with a sword, a wand, or something new entirely,
Yasuke would keep exploring. He would keep pushing himself to understand both the magical
world and his own unique place within it.
"Maybe one day," Yasuke whispered to himself, "I'll figure it out."
With that, he tucked the lightsaber under his arm and made his way back inside, his heart lighter
than it had been all day. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Yasuke was ready to face them. After
all, he had learned from the best—both from Luke Skywalker and from the world of Hogwarts.
And with that combination, he felt like anything was possible.
--
Yasuke sat down at the old wooden desk in the living room, the sound of the television
murmuring in the background as his younger brother watched some cartoon. The room smelled
faintly of the food his mother was preparing, but Yasuke paid little attention to it. He had
something more important to focus on—writing to his friends.
It had been a few weeks since he'd returned from Hogwarts, and the distance from Harry, Ron,
and Hermione was starting to weigh on him. They had shared so much during the school
year—adventures, challenges, and moments of growth that had brought them closer together.
Now, separated by miles of ocean and land, Yasuke felt the need to reconnect with them. He
missed the camaraderie, the magic, the sense of belonging he had found with them.
Yasuke pulled out a sheet of parchment and a quill, the familiar scratch of the quill against the
paper soothing his nerves as he began to write. He poured his thoughts onto the page, letting
his friends know how much he missed them, how strange it felt to be back in the Muggle world,
and how he was spending his summer practicing magic on his own. He even told them about
the toy lightsaber he'd received for his birthday, imagining how Ron would be fascinated and
Harry would probably make some joke about how similar it was to wielding a wand.
As he wrote, Yasuke could feel the weight lifting from his shoulders. Even though he wasn't
physically with them, writing to Harry, Ron, and Hermione made him feel like they were still
connected, that they were still sharing their lives, even from afar.
Once he finished the first letter to Harry, Yasuke folded it carefully and began writing to Ron and
Hermione. Each letter had its own personal touch—his words to Hermione were more
thoughtful, as they shared a deeper bond over their shared love of learning. He told her about
the books he'd borrowed from Professor Binns and his progress in studying spatial magic. To
Ron, his letter was lighter, filled with jokes and comments about missing Ron's sense of humor
and wondering what kind of trouble he was getting into over the summer.
Yasuke could sense movement behind him but paid it no mind. His family had never shown
much interest in what he was doing, but today, there was a strange sense of curiosity from
them. His mother, working in the kitchen, was listening quietly, though it was clear she didn't
really care. His brother sat on the couch, more interested in the TV than what Yasuke was up to.
But his sister, Sarita, was lingering in the doorway, watching him with a smirk on her face.
Ignoring her for the moment, Yasuke pulled his small vest from his backpack. It was a special
vest he'd gotten for Typhoon, designed to hold rolled-up letters securely. He snapped the vest
around his falcon, who chirped and fluffed his feathers, knowing what was coming next.
Yasuke rolled up the letters, carefully sliding one into each slot on the vest. He petted Ty gently,
smiling as the bird nuzzled his hand.
"Do you remember Hermione, Ron, and Harry?" Yasuke asked softly.
Ty chirped in response, a clear sign that he recognized the names. Yasuke had sent Ty with
letters before, and the intelligent falcon had never failed him.
"Take these to them, alright?" Yasuke instructed, his voice firm but kind. He patted Ty's head
gently as the falcon chirped an affirmative and stretched his wings, ready for the journey.
With a soft whistle, Yasuke opened the window, and Ty shot out into the sky, disappearing into
the blue with swift, graceful movements.
It was only after Ty was gone that Sarita decided to make her move. She crossed her arms and
leaned against the doorframe, her smirk growing wider.
"Hermione?" she asked, her voice dripping with teasing sarcasm. "Is that a girl?"
Yasuke didn't flinch. He was used to Sarita's teasing by now. "Yeah, she's my friend. There's
also Ron and Harry. I met them at Hogwarts."
Sarita laughed, the sound filled with disbelief. "Oh, right. Your 'magic school.' I almost forgot
about that."
Yasuke met her gaze calmly, unwilling to rise to her taunt. "It's real. I've been there all year."
His sister raised an eyebrow, her expression hovering somewhere between amusement and
disbelief. "So, you're telling me you go off to this 'magic school,' make friends with wizards and
witches, and now you're sending a falcon to deliver letters? Sure, Yasuke."
Yasuke sighed, knowing there was no point in trying to convince her. Sarita had always been
skeptical, and she didn't understand his world. He stood up and stretched, walking toward the
door, intending to leave her behind with her snarky comments.
"You'll see one day," he said quietly, looking back at her. "Hogwarts is real, and so is magic."
Sarita just rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation. Yasuke didn't wait
for her response. He had more important things to focus on—like the letters he'd just sent off
and the hope that he'd hear back from his friends soon.
As he walked toward the front door, his brother, Colin, called out from the couch. "Can I play
with your lightsaber later?"
Yasuke smiled, feeling a bit of warmth in his chest. "Yeah, sure. After I get back."
With that, Yasuke stepped out of the house, the fresh air filling his lungs. He looked up at the
sky, where Ty was already long gone, and thought about what his friends were up to. Hogwarts
might feel far away, but as long as he had his friends, he knew he wouldn't be alone.
--
The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets as Yasuke made his way
down the familiar hill toward Max's house. The summer heat was already starting to wear on
him, but he didn't mind. He had been spending the past few weeks doing odd jobs for the
neighbors—mowing lawns, walking dogs, and helping with small repairs—all to save up money
for the trip back to Hogwarts when the new school year began. Every penny counted, and it was
giving him something productive to focus on during the long days of summer.
Today, however, he wasn't working. He was heading to see Max, one of his closest friends.
Yasuke and Max had been tight for as long as he could remember. Growing up, they'd spent
hours playing with Matchbox cars in the dirt, racing them down makeshift tracks they'd built in
the backyard. Even as they got older, their friendship had stayed strong, though their interests
had shifted to video games and talking about life more than toys.
As Yasuke approached Max's house, he felt a strange sense of unease—like something was
different today. He shook the feeling off and knocked on the door.
"Yasuke, my man!" Max's voice called from inside before the door swung open. Max was
grinning, as he always was, his sun-bleached hair sticking up in every direction. "I was
wondering when you'd show up."
Yasuke returned the smile, stepping inside. "Yeah, figured I'd come by. Been working most of
the day, but I needed a break."
Max nodded, leading Yasuke through the house and out to the backyard, where they often hung
out. "Doing all those odd jobs still, huh? Saving up for something?"
"Yeah," Yasuke replied, settling into one of the worn-out lawn chairs on the back patio. "Just
trying to save up for my trip back to school. It's a long way, and I want to make sure I've got
enough to cover everything."
Max grabbed two cans of soda from the cooler nearby and tossed one to Yasuke before sitting
down across from him. "Makes sense. You heading back soon?"
Yasuke took a sip of his soda, the cool fizz of the drink refreshing against the heat. "Not for
another couple of months, but I figure it's better to be prepared. What about you? Got anything
planned for the rest of the summer?"
Max paused, the easy smile fading slightly as he looked down at his can of soda. Yasuke
noticed the shift in his friend's mood instantly, his curiosity piqued.
"Well… actually, yeah," Max said, his voice quieter than usual. "There's something I need to tell
you."
Yasuke frowned, sitting up a little straighter. "What's up?"
Max ran a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable. "We're moving, Yasuke. My family and I.
End of next week, actually."
Yasuke's stomach dropped. "Moving? Where to?"
Max looked away for a moment, then sighed. "Up north. Some small town a few hours away.
Dad got a new job, and they want to be closer to my grandparents, so… yeah, we're leaving."
Yasuke blinked, the news hitting him like a ton of bricks. Max had always been there, a constant
presence in his life. The idea of him moving away hadn't even crossed his mind.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Yasuke asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Max shrugged, clearly uncomfortable with the whole situation. "I didn't want to make a big deal
out of it, you know? It's not like we'll never see each other again. I'll still have my phone, and we
can visit and stuff."
Yasuke leaned back in his chair, staring up at the clear blue sky. He felt like the ground had
shifted beneath his feet. First, Hogwarts had become his home, pulling him away from
everything familiar, and now Max, one of the few connections he had to his childhood, was
leaving too.
"But it's not going to be the same," Yasuke muttered, more to himself than to Max.
Max nodded, his expression serious. "I know, man. It sucks. Trust me, I'm not thrilled about it
either. But what can I do? My parents made the decision."
Yasuke sat in silence for a moment, letting the news sink in. He had always known things would
change as he got older—Hogwarts had shown him that much—but he wasn't ready for this. Max
had been one of the few constants in his life, and now he was about to lose that, too.
"When do you leave?" Yasuke asked after a long pause.
Max checked his watch, as if he needed a reminder of how little time was left. "In a week. We're
packing everything up this weekend."
Yasuke nodded slowly, his mind spinning with the sudden reality of it all. "I wish I'd known
sooner. We could've done something—gone somewhere, I don't know. Made the most of the
time we have left."
Max gave him a half-smile. "It's not too late. We've still got a week, right? We can hang out, do
whatever. Just like old times."
Yasuke wanted to feel better, but the news of Max leaving left a hollow ache in his chest. He
was losing a friend, and though Max was trying to play it cool, Yasuke knew things wouldn't be
the same once he was gone. It was just another part of growing up that no one had warned him
about.
But Yasuke forced a smile, trying to be strong for his friend. "Yeah, let's do that. One last week,
just like old times."
Max grinned, clearly relieved that Yasuke wasn't mad at him. "Awesome. We'll figure something
out. Maybe head down to the arcade or something."
But for now, all he could do was make the most of the time he had left with his friend. Even if it
wasn't the same, even if it was bittersweet, it was still something.
Footsteps greeted him from the backyard—Beep and Bop, Max's two large tortoises, were
lumbering around their enclosure as usual. Yasuke couldn't help but smile. He had always liked
the tortoises, with their slow, steady pace and quiet demeanor. Feeding them had become a
ritual during his visits.
"Yo, Yasuke!" Max called out from the back door, grinning as he waved him over. "You're just in
time. The tortoises are starving, as usual."
Yasuke returned the grin, Max handed him a couple of large lettuce leaves to feed the tortoises.
Beep and Bop, sensing the food, slowly made their way over, their heads bobbing toward the
fresh greens.
"Here you go, Beep," Yasuke said, crouching down to feed the tortoise, who took the lettuce with
slow, deliberate bites.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, feeding the tortoises and watching the sun
dip lower in the sky. But something was different today, and Yasuke knew it. He had been
holding back a big part of his life from Max for over a year, and it was starting to feel wrong. Max
was his best friend, and he deserved to know the truth.
Max, as usual, was the first to break the silence. "So, what's up with you lately? You've been
working a lot, but you never really talk about school. It's like you disappear for most of the year."
Yasuke hesitated, unsure of how to start. Max didn't know about Hogwarts—about magic, about
Yasuke's double life. It wasn't something you just blurted out, especially when your best friend
didn't even know magic existed. But Yasuke had to trust him.
"I've been meaning to tell you something," Yasuke began slowly, feeding Beep the last of the
lettuce. "It's about school… but it's not exactly the kind of school you're thinking of."
Max raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Okay, now you've got me curious. What's going on?"
Yasuke took a deep breath, deciding to just go for it. "I go to a school in England. It's called
Hogwarts, and it's… well, it's a school for wizards."
Max blinked, the grin fading from his face as he processed what Yasuke had just said. "Wait,
hold up. Wizards? Like, magic and stuff?"
Yasuke nodded, feeling the weight of the truth lift slightly from his shoulders. "Yeah. Magic is
real, Max. I didn't know until I got my letter last year. Hogwarts is a school for people like
me—people who can do magic."
For a moment, Max was silent, his face a mixture of disbelief and confusion. He glanced at
Yasuke, then back at the tortoises, as if trying to make sense of what he'd just heard.
"So… you're telling me you've been going to wizard school for the past year? And you can do,
like, real magic?" Max's voice was filled with uncertainty, but there was a hint of something
else—curiosity.
Yasuke nodded again, his heart pounding. He had never told anyone from the Muggle world
about Hogwarts before, but if there was anyone he could trust, it was Max. "Yeah. I know it
sounds crazy, but it's true. I've been learning all kinds of spells, magical history, and stuff you
wouldn't believe. That's why I disappear during the school year—I'm at Hogwarts."
Max stared at him for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath.
"Okay… that's… a lot to take in. I mean, wizards? Magic? It sounds like something out of a
movie, dude."
Yasuke smiled weakly, understanding Max's hesitation. "I get it. It's hard to believe at first. I
didn't believe it either until I went there. But trust me, it's real. Everything I've told you is real."
Max rubbed the back of his neck, clearly struggling to process it all. "You're not messing with
me, right? This isn't some weird joke or prank?"
"No joke," Yasuke said seriously. "I wouldn't lie to you about this. I couldn't."
Max looked at him for a moment longer, searching his face for any sign of deception. But
Yasuke's expression was earnest—he meant every word.
Finally, Max sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "Well… I guess if anyone's going to be
a wizard, it would be you, huh? You've always been into weird stuff, but I didn't think it'd be
actual magic."
Yasuke chuckled, relieved that Max hadn't completely freaked out. "Yeah, it's definitely weird.
But it's also amazing. There's so much to learn, so much to explore."
Max nodded slowly, still looking a bit bewildered, but he smiled. "I trust you, man. If you say it's
real, then I'll believe you. It's just… a lot to wrap my head around."
Yasuke felt a wave of gratitude for Max's trust. Even though this was probably the craziest thing
Max had ever heard, he was still willing to believe him. That was why they were best friends.
"I'll show you sometime," Yasuke said, his smile growing wider. "When I'm back from Hogwarts,
I'll find a way to show you some magic."
Max grinned. "I'll hold you to that. I've gotta see this wizard school of yours."
They both laughed, the tension easing between them as they went back to feeding the tortoises.
Beep and Bop were oblivious to the conversation, content to munch on their lettuce, but for
Yasuke, this moment meant everything. He had trusted Max with his biggest secret, and Max
had accepted it.
Even with the changes happening in both their lives, Yasuke knew that their friendship was
strong enough to weather anything—even the revelation that magic was real.
--
Yasuke waved goodbye to Max and his parents, standing by the front porch as Max gave him a
final grin, trying to keep the goodbye lighthearted. But Yasuke felt the weight of it. He had hung
out with Max every day for the past week, trying to make the most of the time they had left
before Max and his family moved away. Now, the day had come, and Max would be gone by
morning.
The walk home felt longer than usual. Yasuke's thoughts lingered on Max, and how much he
was going to miss him. Their childhood memories had been intertwined with moments spent
racing Matchbox cars and talking about their futures. Now, their paths were splitting, with
Yasuke heading back to Hogwarts and Max to a new town.
But as Yasuke approached his house, something cut through his thoughts—a sound. A chilling,
familiar sound. Screaming.
Yasuke's pace quickened, and he could hear the unmistakable sound of something hitting a
wall, followed by the thudding of fists, the raised voices growing louder. His heart raced, his
stomach sinking with dread. His family had never been the most peaceful, but this—this was
different.
He broke into a sprint, racing up the path and throwing open the front door, breathless and
scared. The scene inside made his blood run cold.
His little brother, Colin, stood frozen in the living room, his small body trembling, his eyes wide
with fear. Yasuke's gaze quickly darted down the hallway, where the noise was coming
from—his mother and sister were fist-fighting in Sarita's room, the sounds of the fight vicious
and chaotic. The walls rattled with the impact of fists and bodies slamming into them, and the
yelling was so loud it seemed to reverberate through the entire house.
For a moment, Yasuke felt paralyzed. His mind was spinning. His family had their share of
arguments, but this… this was a nightmare. He couldn't process it—his sister and mother
physically attacking each other, the violence so raw and uncontrolled.
Without another thought, Yasuke acted. He quickly scooped Colin up into his arms, feeling his
brother's tiny hands gripping his shirt as though holding on for dear life. "It's okay," Yasuke
whispered, though he wasn't sure if it was true. "Let's go."
He turned and hurried back out the door, not looking back. Yasuke walked down the street,
away from the chaos, away from the screaming, away from everything. He didn't stop until the
sounds faded into the distance and there was nothing but the quiet hum of the neighborhood
around them. He could still hear the echo of a siren in the distance, but it felt far away, almost
like it belonged to another world.
Yasuke set Colin down gently once they were a few blocks away. They stood in the growing
shadows of the evening, the streetlamps flickering on as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Yasuke was still trying to catch his breath, his mind reeling from what had just happened. How
had things gotten so bad?
Colin, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke up, his voice shaky and filled with
confusion. "Why were they fighting, Yasuke? Why are they so mad at each other?"
Yasuke swallowed hard, kneeling down so he could look Colin in the eye. But the truth was, he
didn't have an answer. He had no idea why things had escalated to this point. He had no idea
why his family was always on the verge of breaking, or why his mother and sister couldn't seem
to get along. And it scared him.
"I don't know," Yasuke said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "I… I don't understand either."
Colin's small face crumpled in confusion and fear, and Yasuke felt a wave of helplessness wash
over him. He was supposed to be the big brother, the one who had answers, but there were no
explanations that made sense. They were just two kids caught in the middle of something they
didn't understand.
Yasuke ruffled Colin's hair gently, forcing a small smile even though his heart was breaking.
"Hey, don't worry about it. We'll just stay out here for a bit, okay? Until things calm down."
Colin nodded, but Yasuke could see the fear still lingering in his brother's eyes. They sat
together on the curb, the cool evening air brushing against their skin as they waited. Yasuke
didn't know how long it would take for the fighting to stop—or if it ever really would.
He glanced up at the sky, watching as the stars slowly began to appear, faint and distant.
Hogwarts seemed like a different world, one he desperately wanted to return to. There, he could
escape from the chaos, from the violence, from the pain that constantly simmered beneath the
surface of his family's life. But here, in this moment, there was no escape.
The distant wail of the siren grew louder, and Yasuke realized that someone must have called
the police. Maybe a neighbor. Maybe his mom. He didn't know. But the sound filled him with
dread, reminding him just how out of control things had gotten.
Colin's voice broke through his thoughts again, soft and uncertain. "Do you think everything will
be okay, Yasuke?"
Yasuke didn't know how to answer that. He didn't know if things would ever be okay. But he
pulled his little brother closer, giving him the only reassurance he could.
"I don't know, Colin," Yasuke whispered, his own voice trembling. "But I'm here. I'll always be
here."
The two of them sat there in silence, waiting for the storm to pass.
--
The sweltering heat of August had settled in, thick and unrelenting, as Yasuke sat on the front
steps of his house, staring out at the quiet street. It was hard to believe that in just one month,
he would be heading back to Hogwarts, leaving behind the chaos of his home life for the
comfort and magic of the wizarding world. But before that could happen, there were still things
to do—money to raise, spells to practice, and questions that lingered in the back of his mind.
It had been a week since the fight between his mom and sister, and while the house had
returned to its uneasy silence, the memory of that night still weighed heavily on him. He hadn't
spoken much to his mother or Sarita since then. His mother had come back from work as
though nothing had happened, and Sarita had been staying out late, doing her best to avoid
being home altogether.
Yasuke, on the other hand, had been keeping busy. He spent his days doing odd jobs for the
neighbors, as usual—painting fences, mowing lawns, and doing any other task he could find to
scrape together enough money for the trip back to Hogwarts. It was mindless work, but it helped
him focus, helped him drown out the noise of his fractured family life.
But today was different. Today, he was expecting someone.
As Yasuke sat on the steps, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, a familiar sound caught
his ear—the sharp cry of a bird overhead. He looked up, his heart skipping a beat as he spotted
the sleek figure of Typhoon swooping down from the sky. Yasuke stood quickly, holding out his
arm as the falcon gracefully landed on his forearm, his feathers ruffling as he settled in.
"Hey, Ty," Yasuke said softly, smiling as he stroked the falcon's back. "You're back."
Ty chirped in response, nuzzling Yasuke's hand affectionately. Yasuke could see the small vest
strapped to Ty's body, the letters he had sent to Harry, Ron, and Hermione still secure in their
slots. With a gentle tug, Yasuke pulled out the rolled-up letters, his curiosity piqued as he
wondered what his friends had written back.
He unfolded the first letter, recognizing Hermione's neat, precise handwriting right away. She
wrote about her own summer, filled with reading and research (as expected), and mentioned
how much she missed the magical world. She even asked for advice on a particularly tricky spell
she had been practicing, which made Yasuke smile—typical Hermione, always pushing herself.
Next came Ron's letter, which was, unsurprisingly, more casual and full of jokes about how
boring his summer was compared to their adventures at Hogwarts. He complained about his
brothers, especially the twins, who had apparently been pranking him nonstop. Ron also asked
Yasuke how his summer was going, with a tone that suggested he probably wasn't expecting
anything too exciting.
The last letter was from Harry. It was short but meaningful, as always. Harry talked about how
quiet things had been with the Dursleys, but how much he was looking forward to seeing
Yasuke again at Hogwarts. The weight of the coming school year hung over Harry's words,
though, and Yasuke could tell that his friend was already thinking about the dangers that might
lie ahead.
As Yasuke folded the letters back up, a sense of calm washed over him. He missed his friends
deeply, but knowing they were out there, waiting for him at Hogwarts, gave him something to
hold onto during the long, difficult summer. Hogwarts wasn't just a school—it was home, a place
where he could be himself without the constant tension of his family looming over him.
Yasuke looked at Ty, who was now preening his feathers, and smiled. "I guess it's time to start
getting ready, huh? One more month, and we're out of here."
Ty chirped in agreement, hopping up onto Yasuke's shoulder as he stood up. There was still
plenty of work to be done before he left—both in terms of raising money and in practicing his
magic.
--
Inside his room, Yasuke pulled out the stack of books he had borrowed from Professor Binns at
the end of the school year. The advanced magical theory book had become a particular favorite,
and he had spent countless hours reading about elemental and spatial magic, determined to
push his abilities beyond what he had learned in class.
Today, though, Yasuke decided to focus on something different. He had been thinking more and
more about his ability to control magic without a wand—something he had started
experimenting with in July. It was tricky, but the more he practiced, the more he realized that
magic wasn't just something that flowed through a wand. It flowed through him.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Yasuke closed his eyes and began to concentrate. He focused
on the feeling of magic coursing through his body, letting it gather in his chest before slowly
guiding it outward—first to his fingertips, then through his arms, and finally throughout his entire
body.
The air around him hummed faintly with energy as he focused. Magic wasn't about brute force
or flashy spells—it was about control. He could feel it now, flowing through him like a current of
electricity, waiting to be shaped.
Yasuke extended one hand in front of him, imagining the flow of magic moving outward,
concentrating into a small sphere of energy just beyond his fingertips. For a moment, nothing
happened. But then, slowly, he began to feel it—a faint pulse, the air around his hand
shimmering slightly.
A small, glowing orb of light appeared in the air, barely visible but undeniably there. Yasuke's
heart raced with excitement. It wasn't much, but it was progress. If he could learn to control this,
to shape magic with his bare hands, it would open up a whole new world of possibilities.
He let the magic fade, the glowing orb disappearing as he lowered his hand, breathing heavily
from the effort. It wasn't easy, but it was a start. Yasuke grinned, already eager to try again.
With Ty perched on the windowsill, watching him with intelligent eyes, Yasuke felt more
confident than ever. He had one more month to prepare before Hogwarts started up again, and
he was determined to make the most of it.